We wrote a book!

After a very busy winter, I am finally getting back to the personal  bloggy.
This is long overdue, but I partnered with Mark Gallup to write a book!  It is called Bears above the Valley, a History of Catskiing and Snowboarding at Island Lake Lodge.  This was very much a passion project, as Island Lake and Mark's photos of the place inspired me to move out to the mountains and follow my dreams on snow.  As is often the case in the snow industry, 1 season lead into 18 and hear I am in Fernie B.C.  Funny how the mountains can grip you and make you fully addicted.   The book is full of amazing photo's and I tried to cover the big events and major pro's that made the place famous.  I think anyone whom has skied or snowboarded in the last 20 years will enjoy it...especially if you are interested in some of the iconic leaders of the sport like Craig Kelly, Scot Schmidt and Jason Ford.
The book is available around Fernie, in various bookstores and also on amazon
Here are a couple photos to get you stoked... Enjoy the book.

www.mikemcphee.com

Our Film - The Balance of Powder has hit 500,000 views on youtube

In the Fall of 2011 Island Lake Catskiing and their sister company Mica Heliskiing released a short 23 minute film / TV show titled The Balance of Powder.  The idea behind the show was to create something that wowed the audience, showed the contrast between city and mountains, showed a group of skiers have fun together and highlighted the 2 operation in a unique way.  The award winning Sherpas Cinema came on board to produce it and The North Face and Spy Optics also partnered on the project.

We are proud to report that The Balance of Powder has now been viewed over half a million times on youtube.  The show has also been broadcast across North America on varies stations.  If you have not watched it yet, here you go:

Thank you everyone for your support and views!

www.islandlakecatskiing.com
www.micaheliskiing.com

Another catski Webisode from Island Lake - Scot Schmidt

Here is one for all the old-school skiers out there and you younguns should have a look and learn some history. Scot Schmidt is considered to be the Original Freeskier. He was the first pro to make a living at big mountain or "extreme" skiing. He was also a shareholder at Island Lake Catskiing along with Craig Kelly, Mark Gallup, Jason Ford and Jake Blattner. It was at Island Lake that Craig and Scot tried to bring ski and snowboard culture together in the movies Siberia and P-tex, Lies and Duct Tape. Scot has catskied at Island Lake more then anyone except a few of the long-term guides.  Over 50 trips and 350-400 days!  Wow - thats alot of catski time. 

catski in bc

Fernie ranked the 2nd most livable city in Canada

Wow, I knew we moved here for a reason.  Fernie has everything I want in a town.  Very little traffic, good restaurants, a micro brewery, stunning scenery and of course great mountain activities.   Some of the best skiing in the winter and the best fly fishing in the summer.  Don't move here though...it's full!
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I love da Powder Snow

Well well - the snow is here.  Some people complain about it and some love it.  I am in the later category.  I just spent a weekend filming and taking photos at Island Lake Catskiing with the Sherpas.  The Sherpas are making a ski movie and were filming with a special slow motion camera that shoots a 1000 frames a second.  The footage will be surreal for sure.  Island Lake had received a whole bunch of powder snow in the last couple weeks and conditions were really good for early season. Check out these photos:

Island Lake Catskiing is located just outside of Fernie B.C.

Ken Diamond Leather Goods in Vancouver

I recently visited my old friend Ken Diamond in Vancouver.  Ken and I grew up together in the Winnipeg music scene...going to shows, hanging out at the legendary Royal Albert draft night and generally just rockin out.  Ken has a crazy grizzly adams beard now and I barely recognized him.  Anyway, he is an amazing leather worker and custom makes all kinds of cool stuff.  I got a new wallet and belt!  Check out the Ken Diamond website http://www.kendiamond.com/

Win a super cool trip to Fernie

You can win a ski or snowboard trip to Fernie.  This includes 3 days at Island Lake where I work.  No I probaly will not be able to ski with you...sorry.
http://www.tourismfernie.com/contest